Resource
`Magazine’s
`OUTSTANDING
`OUTSTANDING
`INNOVATIONS
`INNOVATIONS
`2004
`2004
`
`

`

`A E 5 0 2 0 0 4
`
`Products winning the 2004
`
`AE50 awards represent the
`best and the brightest
`developed throughout the
`world for the agricultural,
`food, and biological systems
`industries.
`The innovations
`highlighted in this issue were
`chosen from numerous entries
`in the competition sponsored
`by Resource. The judges who
`chose the winners represent all
`factions of the agricultural,
`food, biological,
`and related
`systems
`engineering
`professions. The
`expert panel
`selected the best
`of products first
`introduced to the
`marketplace during 2003.
`These products are expected to
`save producers time, costs, and
`labor while improving user
`safety.
`Problem solving is a major
`goal in designs whether one is
`developing a better way to
`spread manure, water a golf
`course, or monitor weather
`conditions. Environmental
`concerns must also be factored
`in while keeping production
`and operating costs low.
`
`The annual AE50 program
`has been honoring
`engineering achievements for
`more than a decade. Past
`winners include companies of
`all sizes throughout the world.
`Many of the new ideas are
`patented and their names
`trademarked. Some may
`become household words in
`the future. Others will be im-
`proved upon as technology
`advances.
`From improved tractors and
`implements to
`computer software
`and high-tech
`electronic
`measuring devices,
`the 2004 AE50
`winners cover a
`gamut of devices.
`The AE50 is the only
`awards program of its kind to
`reward companies for de-
`velopments in specific areas of
`agricultural, food, and
`biological systems.
`For information on how
`to enter next year’s
`competition, please contact
`Sandy Rutter at 269-429-0300
`ext. 345 or rutter@asae.org.
`Information on the AE50
`and Resource magazine is also
`available on the ASAE Web site
`at www.asae.org.
`
`2
`
`AE50
`
`June/July 2004
`
`

`

`Pow'r Trak finely shreds
`
`The Flory Model WS900 Pow’r Trak shredder
`is a self-propelled, rubber-tracked hammer
`mill developed to effectively shred orchard
`prunings as large as 100 millimeters
`(4 inches) in diameter. Friendly to the envi-
`ronment and the grower, this machine elimi-
`nates the necessity of burning prunings and
`monitoring agricultural burn days, thereby
`contributing to cleaner air. The resulting
`finely shredded material remains on the
`orchard floor where it decomposes, promot-
`ing healthier soil. The front-feed design elim-
`inates driving over prunings, and the
`rubber-track drive allows continuous opera-
`tion in all weather conditions. Features
`include a fuel-efficient 425-horsepower
`Caterpillar engine, automatic reversing engine fan to keep radiator clean, and low ground compaction. Other
`user conveniences include the “Comfort Cab,” which is both heated and cooled for the comfort of the opera-
`tor; hydrostatic drive for smooth variable speed control; and easily replaceable shredding hammers and
`cutting inserts.
`Flory Industries, Salida, California USA; 209-545-1167, www.FloryIndustries.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2 0 0 4
`
`Outback® Hitch gives automatic, instant
`correction
`
`Outback® Hitch is an automatic
`drawbar hitch attachment
`which receives and responds to
`GPS guideline information. It
`automatically and instantly cor-
`rects inadvertent driving error.
`Even if the tractor is not fol-
`lowing the GPS guideline,
`Outback® Hitch seeks to place
`the hitch pin directly over the
`guideline. In addition,
`Outback® Hitch has a “Match
`Tracks” mode which seeks to
`match the implement track
`lines to the tractor tracks when operating in curves and hillsides. For example, when side-dressing standing
`crop, “match tracks” will allow the driver to follow rows with the tractor and be confident his implement is
`also tracking the same rows without damaging crop.
`RHS, Inc., Hiawatha, Kansas USA; 800-247-3808, www.outbackguidance.com
`
`June/July 2004
`
`AE50
`
`3
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`

`

`Square Baler performs with top auger pickup
`
`This large, square baler with pre-cutter option
`has significant performance and capacity
`improvements with newly designed top auger
`pickup. The full-width, cross-top auger takes
`control of the crop in most hay and straw bal-
`ing conditions as crop is transferred from the
`pickup reel. It allows large, low-density crops,
`such as straw, to move quickly from the out-
`side of the pickup into the narrow center
`feed area of the baler. This powered auger
`also helps higher-density crops with greater
`friction (like hay silage) to move across the
`pickup. It adds additional power to feed the
`crop into the baler quickly and smoothly.
`Because the crop is moved into the baler
`more uniformly, other feeding elements
`behind the pickup perform more efficiently.
`The pre-cutter baler performance has been
`improved considerably through these syner-
`gies with the addition of the top auger to the
`pickup.
`AGCO Corp., Duluth, Georgia USA;
`770-813-9200, www.agcocorp.com
`
`I N N O VAT I O N S 2004
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
`
`The Olden Cabbage Trimmer triples output
`
`The Olden Cabbage Trimmer eliminates all hard,
`manual labor and triples output per man-hour.
`Cabbages are delivered on the carousel, where
`the stalks are cut and necessary leaves removed.
`This is followed by an inspection, after which the
`cabbages are automatically placed in marketing
`crates. The Olden Cabbage Trimmer is made of
`stainless steel and hot-galvanized mill steel. All
`functions are hydraulically powered and all
`speeds are infinitely adjustable. A pneumatic
`adjustable system blows off desired quantity of
`leaves and holds the heads in place during opera-
`tions. Electronics are used to operate the
`hydraulic system and to regulate the flow of cab-
`bages, the level of filling in marketing crates,
`and the monitoring of safety systems. The unique
`combination of known techniques combined with the innovative carousel and lifting/turning mechanism has
`made a successful automatic cabbage trimmer. Electric power supply: 7.5 kilowatt (10 horsepower). Air supply
`at 10 atmosphere bar (14.5 pounds per square inch), 1.4 cubic meter (50 cubic feet) per minute.
`Olden Maskinfabrik ApS, Houvej 139, 9370 Hals, Denmark; +45-9825-4866, www.olden-maskinfabrik.dk
`
`4
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`AE50
`
`June/July 2004
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`

`

`Solar Mini-Pivot System reduces energy and
`water consumption
`
`Greenfield Irrigation Systems, developed by Lindsay
`Manufacturing, are leaders in intelligent water utiliza-
`tion focused specifically on high-value crops such as
`vegetables, hay, alfalfa, small grains, and turf grown
`on fields that are less than 32 hectares (80 acres) in
`size. The principal uses for the Greenfield Solar Mini
`Pivot are in crop areas that do not have developed
`rural electrical power, areas where the cost to run
`electrical power is prohibitive, and areas set aside for
`environmental conservation of electricity and fuel.
`This solar-powered machine is as full-featured and
`capable as its single and three-phase AC counterparts,
`therefore providing significant potential for underde-
`veloped countries. No special tools or heavy machin-
`ery are needed to erect the equipment, and it is
`simple and easy to use requiring no special skills for
`operation. The Greenfield Solar Pivot System reduces energy and water consumption over non-pivot irriga-
`tion systems and improves yields as well.
`Lindsay Manufacturing Co., Omaha, Nebraska USA; 800-829-5300,
`www.lindsaymanufacturing.com/default_greenfield.asp
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2 0 0 4
`
`200 V/P Series supplies specialty market with
`high technology and comfort
`
`AGCO Corp.’s FENDT® 200 V/P Series 50-80
`horsepower, 2WD or 4WD, cab or foldable
`ROPS brings high technology and comfort to
`the specialty, orchard, and vineyard tractor
`market. Operators are comfortable and in con-
`trol with up to six mid-mount and rear electro-
`hydraulic SCVs with flow controls for 73.8
`liters (19.5 gallons) per minute, shock-load sta-
`bilizing, and patented side-shift and tilt
`adjustment three-point hitch controls – all
`located on the right console. A Tier 2 engine
`powers 540/540Economy/1,000 rpm rear PTO
`speeds and optional 1,000 rpm front PTO for
`front three-point hitch work. Push-button
`automatic 4WD and differential locks with a
`tight 58-degree turning angle make the com-
`pact series nimble in tight areas.
`AGCO Corp., Duluth, Georgia USA; 800-767-
`3221, www.fendt.com/index_US.html
`
`June/July 2004
`
`AE50
`
`5
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`

`

`XP BoomJet® reduces driftable droplets
`
`The XP BoomJet® nozzle man-
`ufactured by Spraying Systems
`Co. demonstrates a perform-
`ance breakthrough in wide-
`coverage spray nozzle design.
`The wide-coverage spray pat-
`tern distributes spray solutions
`evenly across the full width of
`the pattern while significantly
`reducing driftable droplets.
`The design combines a remov-
`able pre-orifice for easy clean-
`ing and a unique teardrop-shaped exit orifice. XP BoomJet nozzles are
`available in four flow rates ranging from 7.6 to 30.3 liters (2.0 to 8.0 gal-
`lons) per minute at 276 kilo pascals (40 psi) and are suit-
`able for use at pressures from 138 to 414 kilo pascals (20
`to 60 pounds per square inch). They provide spray pat-
`tern coverage up to 5.6 meters (18.5 feet). Each nozzle
`capacity is color coded for easy identification. All XP
`BoomJet nozzle capacities are available in an
`all-polymer construction and in a durable stainless steel with a polymer pre-orifice.
`Spraying Systems Co., Wheaton, Illinois, USA; 630-665-5000, www.TeeJet.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
`
`I N N O VAT I O N S 2004
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`7020 series replaces 7010 product line
`
`The new 7020 Large Chassis Row Crop Tractors
`replace the 7010 series product line. The lineup
`includes the 7720 at 140 PTO horsepower, 7820
`at 155 PTO horsepower, and a new 7920 at
`170 PTO horsepower. All models feature Tier II
`emission engines with a new 6.8 liter 4 valve in
`the 7720. Three transmissions are offered includ-
`ing a IVT™ (Infinitely Variable Transmission). A
`new frame improves maneuverability and tor-
`sional stiffness. Other new features include
`increased hitch capacity, improved vehicle weight
`distribution, increased fuel capacity, larger tires,
`redesigned TLS front suspension, and tilt hood
`for serviceability. Factory-installed trailer hitches,
`front hitch, front PTO, and loader are options.
`A new larger cab incorporates many features of
`the 8000 series providing industry-leading inte-
`rior sound levels, full-featured instrumentation as standard equipment, and optional Active Seat suspension.
`All models use Can Bus operating system and are GPS-capable. Hydraulic flow has been increased as well as
`the number of circuits available.
`John Deere Product Engineering Center, Waterloo, Iowa USA; www.deere.com
`
`AE50
`
`June/July 2004
`
`6
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`

`

`Comfort Zone 20™ provides more uniform heat
`
`Retrolite and Sylvania have teamed to produce a heat lamp system designed specif-
`ically for the swine industry. Farrowing creep heat systems have traditionally been
`a challenge as newborn 1-kilogram- (2.2-pound-) piglets are confined adjacent to
`200-kilogram- (440-pound-) sows. Piglets and sows have very divergent comfort lev-
`els for optimum production — sows at 18ºC (64ºF), and piglets 35ºC (95ºF) at birth
`to about 27ºC (81ºF) at weaning. The Comfort Zone 20™ system consists of two
`main components: The Hang Straight Heat Lamp Fixture (HSHLF) and the Sylvania
`175 W PAR 38 energy efficient heat lamp. This system provides more uniform heat
`at 35°C (95ºF) within a 51-centimeters (20-inch) diameter circle beneath a heat
`lamp at an operating height of 51 centimeters (20 inches).
`There are no hot spots directly beneath the heat lamp.
`Piglets rest where they should, reducing crushing losses and
`improving overall health with improved, more uniform
`microclimate.
`Retrolite Corporation of America, Hatboro, Pennsylvania
`USA; 888-717-3688, www.retrolite.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2 0 0 4
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`AccuPAR aids plant and forest research
`
`The AccuPAR model LP-80 PAR/LAI ceptometer is a handheld instru-
`ment for measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and
`calculating leaf area index (LAI) in plant canopies. It is primarily use-
`ful in plant and forest research, but is also advantageous in some
`commercial applications, such as vineyards and orchards. The most
`important feature offered by the AccuPAR is the display of real-time
`PAR values on screen. LAI calculations and related variables are also
`displayed and updated in real time as measurements are made. This
`saves valuable post-processing time where LAI calculations are tradi-
`tionally done. Since calculations are computed automatically and dis-
`played in the field, the researcher can then correlate in-field data
`with conditions and observations at the site and make any necessary
`decisions. The AccuPAR has a simple six-key panel with a menu-
`driven user interface making it easy to change settings and move
`between functions.
`Decagon Devices, Inc., Pullman, Washington USA; 800-755-2751,
`www.decagon.com
`
`June/July 2004
`
`AE50
`
`7
`
`

`

`Reach Trucks effective in variety of applications
`
`Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has developed a new generation of electric
`reach trucks. These 36-volt models help improve end user cost of owner-
`ship while delivering advanced levels of reliability and performance. With
`capacities ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 kilograms (2,500 to 4,500 pounds)
`and lift heights as high as 10,750 millimeters (425 inches), this Orion family
`of reach trucks is effective in a variety of applications, including every-
`thing from high-density storage to distribution of palletized products.
`Along with an extended reach, the new compact ergonomic design
`enables product storage in warehouse aisles as narrow as 2.3 meters
`(7.5 feet), allowing customers to reach new heights in storage capabilities
`and space utilization. Alternating current electric power technology helps
`yield faster cycle times and improves electrical efficiency. Product features
`such as rapid lift and travel speeds, low effort operator controls, and a
`flexible side-stance compartment make N-Generation electric reach trucks
`a productive material-handling solution.
`Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc., Houston, Texas USA;
`713-365-1000, www.mit-lift.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
`
`I N N O VAT I O N S 2004
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`MACDON 974 FLEXDRAPER™ boosts productivity
`up to 20 percent
`
`The MacDon 974 FLEXDRAPER™ available in 9.1-
`and 11.0-meter (30- and 36-foot) sizes boosts com-
`bine productivity up to 20 percent in most crop
`conditions and in uneven terrain when cutting off,
`on, or close to the ground — especially in low pod-
`ding crops. It features a three-section frame with
`balanced linkage allowing each section to inde-
`pendently follow ground contours in a balanced
`floating action, reacting to minimal changes in
`ground pressure. The header utilizes a two-piece
`reel, which maintains a close relationship to the
`cutter bar when the header is following uneven
`ground undulations. The crop is cut and swept onto a live moving surface, then conveyed “heads first” into
`the combine feeder. When operating in level terrain or cutting off of the ground, the header can be locked
`to a rigid profile in seconds without the use of tools, and without sacrificing any feeding performance.
`MacDon Industries Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; 204-885-5590, www.macdon.com
`
`8
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`AE50
`
`June/July 2004
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`

`

`Big Baler improves capacity and reliability
`
`The upgraded New Holland BB960A Big
`Baler includes improvements resulting in
`increased operator convenience, higher
`quality bales, improved capacity, and a
`20-percent increase in reliability. For conven-
`ience, the baler hitch can be adapted to
`tractor pins of both ASAE Cat3 and ISO Cat3
`standards simply by exchanging the ball in
`the hitch. Also the baler’s on-board com-
`puter has been adapted to ISOBUS standards
`allowing communication with any type and
`brand of tractor-monitors that adhere to the
`same standard. A rotor cutter feeding system utilizes paired tines of different length in a “W”-pattern for
`increased capacity. This balanced feeding system helps produce well-formed, high-density bales. Additionally,
`an integrated plunger design with incorporated grease channels increases reliability, and a totally cam-con-
`trolled shuttle feeder runs smoothly with less noise.
`New Holland, New Holland, Pennsylvania USA; 888-290-7377, www.newholland.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2 0 0 4
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`Greenhouse Growth Tracker gets measurements
`throughout growing season
`
`The Greenhouse Growth Tracker was developed to capture, process, and
`store light and temperature measurements throughout the growing sea-
`son. It measures photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) as µmol/m-2 s-1
`(micromoles of photons per meter squared per second) and calculates
`the daily light integral (DLI – moles per day). Historically, light meters
`that measure only instantaneous light intensity in foot-candles were
`used. (Foot-candle meters can have a margin of error up to 45 percent
`when measuring light.) In addition, light intensity is variable throughout
`the day. DLI refers to the total quantity of light delivered to a surface for
`the day. Another important growth input is temperature. This device
`reports daily high/low temperatures, average day/night temperatures,
`and DIF temperature (difference between daytime and nighttime tem-
`perature) and calculates degree-days and chill hours. Values are archived
`for 30 days; monthly summaries, for the growing season. The battery-
`powered recorder has an integrated data logger with non-volatile mem-
`ory and date-and-time clock.
`Spectrum Technologies, Inc., Plainfield, Illinois USA; 800-248-8873,
`www.specmeters.com
`
`June/July 2004
`
`AE50
`
`9
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`

`

`Planters boast improved frame
`
`The new 12-Row and 24-Row 1770NT are both front-
`fold, three-section flex planters with an improved
`frame, and fertilizer and hydraulic systems. Both frame
`configurations now enable transport width of
`3.65 meters (12 feet), wing flex of ±21º, and 0.56 meter
`(22 inches) of under frame clearance during transport.
`The telescoping hitch on the 12-Row provides a
`0.91-meter (3-foot) shorter hitch when planting, while
`the 24-Row provides a 0.3-meter (1-foot)
`shorter hitch. The 12-Row fertilizer system
`utilizes an on-board 1,703-liter (450-gallon)
`tank, while the 24-Row provides 2,271-liter
`(600-gallon) capacity. Both machines can be
`factory equipped with frame-mounted fertil-
`izer openers and can also tow an additional
`7,570-liter (2,000-gallon) nurse tank. Both
`machines can also be equipped with a bulk-
`fill CCS (Central Commodity System). The
`12-Row now offers 2,469 liters (70 bushels) of
`seed capacity, while the 24-Row provides
`3,527 liters (100 bushels).
`John Deere Seeding Group, Moline, Illinois
`USA; 309-765-7388, www.johndeere.com
`
`I N N O VAT I O N S 2004
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
`
`Sensortec 4QC transforms quarter
`conductivity sensing
`
`This quarter conductivity sensing system eliminates non-mastitic variables
`affecting milk conductivity and focuses on conductivity increases related
`solely to tissue damage within the cow’s udder. A relative conductivity
`measurement by quarter eliminates the normal biological variations
`between cows that distort absolute conductivity values. A powerful data-
`base is created comparing conductivity variations between quarters,
`across the herd, and longitudinally over time. Since conductivity in milk
`rises with temperature, temperature compensation removes this source
`of variation. A system for “smoothing” values by calculating rolling aver-
`age conductivity values reduces the effects of random “noise.” Central
`reference values are created as an automatic correction mechanism for
`any drift in absolute and relative values between flow cells or for any
`bias between individual flow-cells. Sensortec’s 4QC technology has thus
`achieved a quantum leap in sensitivity and specificity levels that trans-
`forms quarter conductivity sensing into a reliable tool for the early
`detection of mastitis.
`Sensortec Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand;
`+64 (0)7-859-3364, sales@sensortect.co.nz, www.sensortec.co.nz
`
`10
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`AE50
`
`June/July 2004
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`

`

`Agri-Vator System for Plasticulture:
`mechanization for the rice paddy
`
`The Agri-Vator System for Plasticulture is an all-inclusive ground
`preparation and planting system designed for introducing mecha-
`nization to the Asian rice paddy cultural practices. The Agri-Vator
`System is configured with a unique design that has the ability to
`condition soil that would normally be too wet for conventional
`tillage practices. It consists of a central power unit with three
`basic accessories. First, the power bed maker is a new design,
`which utilizes concepts from a rototiller and a hammermill to
`grind and condition the wet, heavy, clod-laden soil into a fine
`consistency, leaving a raised bed in its path. Second, a mulch layer
`presses and shapes the soil into a pre-determined profile while
`covering the bed with plastic mulch. Third, a manual-type wheel
`planter places transplants into the raised mulch covered bed.
`Faulring Mechanical Devices Inc., North Collins, New York USA;
`716-337-3682, www.faulring.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2 0 0 4
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`Bunks boost efficiency of wood handling
`and transport
`
`Multi-Modal Wood Bunks for Small Diameter Roundwood enable effi-
`cient transport of wood from forest thinning programs and provides
`labor-efficient handling of smallwood at community-based forest
`product firms. The all-steel bunks are designed to hold approximately
`1.5 cubic meters (1/2 ton) of roundwood. A pallet jack or forklift can
`move the bunks at a production facility. The design facilitates tipping
`by automated equipment to feed roundwood onto a log deck or into
`a processing line. The bunks also can be lifted from the top by a log
`loader for easy stacking, placing, or loading
`in the forest. The bunks can be hauled on a
`self-loading flatbed trailer, conventional
`flatbed truck, and small trailers. The bunks
`are designed to nest when empty so they
`may be efficiently stored or transported back
`to the forest from town.
`Forest Concepts, LLC, Federal Way,
`Washington USA; 253-838-4759,
`www.elwdsystems.com
`
`June/July 2004
`
`AE50
`
`11
`
`

`

`AGCO® RT Series offers hi-tech advances
`
`AGCO Corp. introduced AGCO® RT Series tractors
`(100 to 150 PTO horsepower) to North America
`in the autumn of 2003. This series features
`advanced technology – the PowerMaxx CVT™,
`HydraMaxx front suspension, and AirMaxx cab
`suspension – providing productive features for
`today’s farmer. The PowerMaxx CVT™ transmis-
`sion combines an efficient, continuously variable
`design with simple-to-use controls. Two modes,
`“lever” and “pedal,” allow easy, shift-less speed
`changes from 0 to 52 kilometers per hour (0 to
`32 miles per hour). Two pre-determined speeds
`can be set in increments of 0.16 kilometers per
`hour (0.1 miles per hour) using rotary dials to
`adjust values in an LCD screen. The “engine
`supervisor” function enables automatic speed
`adjustment as the working conditions of the trac-
`tor change. The HydraMaxx front suspension sys-
`tem provides constant tire-to-ground contact to allow for less slippage and more pulling power. The dual
`stage AirMaxx cab suspension uses pneumatics similar to suspensions on highway trucks for comfortable field
`operation.
`AGCO Corp., Duluth, Georgia USA; 770-813-9200, www.agcocorp.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2004
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`Sugarcane Loader features all-new boom design
`
`The Cameco SP1850 Sugarcane Loader features an all-new boom
`design to accommodate the large size of today’s modern crop
`transport trailers.The boom affords operators faster cycle times
`and a 35-percent larger grab. Those features, coupled with the
`ability to put more crop in the transport, equal lower overall
`transportation costs. The new John Deere 4045 engine at 78 kilo-
`watts (105 horsepower) lowers fuel consumption, and an all-new
`hydraulic system eliminates external priority, relief, and swing
`cylinder cushion valves. Hydrostatic drive gives operators an infi-
`nitely variable range of speeds up to 25 kilometers (18 miles) per
`hour and simplifies operation versus tractor-mounted loaders.
`The SP1850 loader offers advancements in serviceability over
`other whole-stalk cane loaders. Remote grease lines simplify daily
`maintenance while chromed and hardened pins throughout
`increase life. The SP1850 offers growers an economical alterna-
`tive to larger, more costly loaders that have become common-
`place throughout the world.
`Cameco, A John Deere Co., Thibodaux, Louisiana USA;
`985-447-7285, www.camecosugar.com
`
`12
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`AE50
`
`June/July 2004
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`

`

`Outback eDrive™ installs easily, operates simply
`
`Outback eDrive™ teamed up with Outback® S to
`provide automatic steering for tractors, combines,
`sprayers, and other self-propelled machines.
`eDrive™ benefits from the patented Outback® S
`dynamic look-ahead capability in order to
`smoothly and precisely control steering. Primary
`benefits of eDrive™ are easy installation (about
`two hours), simple operation, and the ability to
`drive in straights and smoothly along compound
`curves. eDrive™ also features automatic disen-
`gage and engage at each turn. Model specific
`installation kits must be used.
`RHS, Inc., Hiawatha, Kansas USA; 800-247-3808,
`www.outbackguidance.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2 0 0 4
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`Two-Speed Square Jack improves ease and speed
`
`BULLDOG®’s 12,000-pound Two-Speed Square Jack makes cranking easier
`when fully loaded, fast operation when moderately loaded, or quick
`travel when unloaded. In low gear, the total gear ratio delivers full lift-
`ing capacity of 10,000 pounds with reasonable input torque (well within
`ASAE S485 guidelines). In high gear (the second working speed), the
`total gear ratio allows reasonable lifting of moderate loads. For travel
`“through the air” after the implement or horse trailer is attached to the
`towing unit, the pinned “drop leg” provides the ultimate in rapid travel.
`The two working gear ratios are specifically chosen to be used in con-
`junction with a pinned “drop leg” to achieve a “three-speed” affect at
`the cost and complexity of a two-speed product.
`Cequent Trailer Products, Mosinee, Wisconsin USA; 715-639-1700,
`www.cequentgroup.com
`
`June/July 2004
`
`AE50
`
`13
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`

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`INSIGHT perfects precision farming system
`
`INSIGHT from Ag Leader Technology is a complete
`precision farming system. The primary component of
`the INSIGHT system is the 10.4-inch color, touch-
`screen display. Interfaced with GPS and sensors, the
`INSIGHT display generates color maps of varieties
`while planting, product application rates while apply-
`ing fertilizers or chemicals, and yield and moisture
`maps while harvesting. The INSIGHT display provides
`real-time mapping while simultaneously recording
`many operating parameters and communicates with
`sensor and controller modules over a CAN-bus inter-
`face. Ag Leader Technology’s grain harvest sensors
`have been redesigned to incorporate CAN-bus tech-
`nology providing increased flexibility and future
`expandability. Application control is performed with
`a new CAN-bus controller module that interfaces
`with popular non-CAN-bus rate controllers. The CAN-
`bus provides an expansion path for future precision farming capabilities of the INSIGHT system. A flexible
`internal data model and scalable logging format provide seamless integration of the INSIGHT display with
`desktop mapping software.
`Ag Leader Technology, Inc., Ames, Iowa USA; 515-232-5363, www.agleader.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
`
`I N N O VAT I O N S 2004
`
`Bale wagons improve stacking and moving
`
`The new-generation BW Series Self-Propelled
`Automatic Bale Wagons combine frame and pow-
`ertrain improvements with improved electronic
`and electro-hydraulic controls to make stacking
`and moving bales more effortless and productive.
`Sophisticated software coupled with electronic
`controls makes operation by inexperienced oper-
`ators nearly “idiot-proof,” and experienced
`operators even more productive. These wagons
`feature a higher horsepower Tier II New Holland
`engine with greater fuel economy and lower
`emissions. The new engine is coupled to a state-
`of-the-art five-speed, electronically controlled
`automatic transmission. A single, multi-function
`handle puts control of 16 loading and unloading functions at fingertips. This increases operator efficiency
`resulting in greater daily productivity as measured by the number of stacks completed. Designers used Finite
`Element Analysis (FEA) to produce an all-new frame featuring one-piece, full-length frame channels to elimi-
`nate high stresses and to predict frame-fatigue life beyond the expected design life of the entire unit.
`New Holland, New Holland, Pennsylvania USA; 888-290-7377, www.newholland.com
`
`14
`
`AE50
`
`June/July 2004
`
`

`

`Planter provides excellent maneuverability
`
`The CASE IH Pivot-Transport Split Row Planter fea-
`tures high capacity/productivity with excellent
`maneuverability, serviceability, and convenience.
`With two 1,410-liter (40-bushel) central-fill hoppers
`and four-section control of seed and fertilizer, more
`time can be spent planting and customizing seed
`populations and fertilizer application rates to
`achieve optimal yields. Offered in both 12/23 and
`16/31 configurations, each 38-centimeter (15-inch)
`row is equipped with a row unit lock-up mechanism
`for quick soybean/corn conversion. Large flotation
`tires are mounted on a double telescoping
`retractable frame to minimize ground compaction
`and provide an unmatched single-pass headland
`turning radius. Despite its large field width and
`close-coupled planting dimension, the Advanced Farming Systems™ in-cab touch screen display folds the
`planter to a transport envelope of 3 meters (10 feet) high and 3.8 meters (12 feet, 7 inches) wide in less than
`a minute. Furthermore, the planter toolbar can be raised over 1.5 meters (5 feet) for complete access of row
`units and other tillage attachments.
`Case IH, Racine, Wisconsin USA; 262-636-0000, www.caseih.com
`
`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`I N N O VAT I O N S 2 0 0 4
`
`Nozzles generate water savings
`
`Matched precipitation rate nozzles consist of three
`sets of four nozzles each and can be used with all
`5000 MPR Series gear-driven sprinklers. These noz-
`zles uniquely allow rotors to be installed with a
`matched precipitation rate within and between
`radii from 7.6 to 10.7 meters (25 to 35 feet) and
`may generate over 2 billion gallons of water sav-
`ings in 2004. The nozzle sets are designed to cover
`radii of 7.6, 9.1, and 10.7 meters (25, 30 and
`35 feet) at an inlet pressure of 45 pounds per
`square inch. The nozzles on each set have flow
`rates that are sized to cover arcs of 90, 120, 180,
`and 360 degrees, which represent the most com-
`mon patterns in typical irrigation installations. For
`a square spacing pattern, the designed precipita-
`tion rate is 15.2 millimeters (0.6 inches) of water
`per hour.
`Rain Bird Corp. - Residential Manufacturing
`Division, Azusa, California USA; 626-812-3430,
`www.rainbird.com
`
`June/July 2004
`
`AE50
`
`15
`
`

`

`Meter measures turf grass quality
`
`The Field Scout® TCM 500 Turf Color Meter
`makes an objective measurement of turf
`grass quality. Today, this measurement is
`done subjectively by a visual assessment using
`the 1-9 scale (dormant turf to dark green)
`that is naturally biased by the observer and
`varies through time and space. The problem
`that challenges the turf industry is that turf
`grass quality is a critical measurement of turf
`performance. Color is a key indicator of turf
`grass quality, particularly nitrogen content
`and water status. Reflected red, green, and
`blue light from a controlled light source is
`instantly measured and stored in an integral
`data logger. Three different measurement
`modes, including the traditional 1-9 green
`index scale, quantify the color characteristics
`of turf grass describing color and quality.
`Spectrum Technologies, Inc., Plainfield,
`Illinois USA; 800-248-8873,
`www.specmeters.com
`
`I N N O VAT I O N S 2004
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`A E 5 0 O U T S TA N D I N G
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`Opener advances latest in boot development
`
`The new Separate Fertilizer Placement Opener is a unique, purpose-
`designed opener for use in no-till and min-till farming practices where
`it is desirable to apply fertilizer at the time of seeding. This opener is
`specifically designed for placement of fertilizer separate from the seed
`openers. It maintains the fundamentals of the John Deere No-Till
`Opener and includes the latest in boot development for the ultimate
`in fertilizer placement with a single disc opener, along with superior
`closing of the trench. This opener includes a reduced steer angle of
`5 degrees for ease of penetration and formation of the narrow fertil-
`izer trench. The narrow trench is further formed by the slim profile
`boot/scraper, which includes mounting for three styles of fertilizer
`tube. An optional closing w